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Until now, all of my projects have been self-produced, and I'm no stranger to the studio and working with musicians. Recently, in my experience with my current smooth jazz album project and working with a producer, I've learned some new things. This won't cover technical stuff so much as I'll focus on the human factors. The assumption is made that you are a solo artist, but many of these tips will apply to self-contained groups as well. And of course, this is just my perspective. If you've had time in the…

It's been a wild ride, these last 30 days. When I started this Kickstarter campaign for my new album project, I had real doubts whether I was choosing the right target amount, wondering how to invite people to participate without being too annoying, and whether anyone would care to back me at all.

Some super kind humans stepped up, made a pledge, and something incredible happened. We passed the target amount and the campaign has just come to a close. I now have the funding needed to finish my upcoming smooth…Read more

I’m very excited to let you know that I have a new recording project in the works – a project I’ve been trying to get together for years but the stars have not aligned until now.

This project is with a very special group of musicians but there’s way too much fun and goodness to share in an email so I made a short video that will give you the whole scoop on exactly what we’re up to…

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) is a leading performing rights organization, which collect royalties for music creators and publishers. Each year ASCAP holds an EXPO in Los Angeles featuring a number of insightful sessions, creative panels, and business discussions. [Photo right: Paul Williams, Rep. Doug Collins, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Aloe Blacc]

I had the privilege of connecting with some great people including Cari Cole Music alums Jim Feenstra, Ari Shagal,…

Off the stage, I can be shy. I have a tendency of avoiding conflict. Part of me is "people pleaser." I want everyone to get along and be happy. I also have a desire to not alienate potential fans of my music. So, you might imagine the challenge for me in sharing my story and my thoughts on what's happening in Indiana. Well, I had to get over myself.

Here's my story. On March 25, I placed an order for music gear from Sweetwater, located…Read more

I had the privilege of attending the 57th Grammy Awards on February 8th. My first time--I’m no longer a Grammys virgin!

During the week prior, I attended a few shows and parties...

With Scott Healy. Photo by Alex Otey.

Wednesday night I checked out Scott Healy Ensemble at Typhoon Jazz Club in Santa Monica, featuring vocalist Ruby Friedman. You know Scott as the keyboardist on the Conan O’Brien show on television. Amazing, intense and playful. Scott’s tune Koko on the Boulevard, was… Read more

Andraé Crouch left us on January 8 at 72 years old following a heart attack.

Andraé led the choirs that sang on Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror and Madonna's Like a Prayer. As a songwriter, he wrote several gospel hits, most notably The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) and Soon and Very Soon, a song which was sung at Jackson's memorial service.

Andraé's received seven Grammys®, and he received an Academy Award nomination for his arranging work on the 1985…Read more

J.K. Simmons won for supporting actor honor for his sadistic jazz teacher in the movie Whiplash. I'm reminded of some of the sadistic music teachers I've had, hehe ...I'm definitely gonna have to see this one.